Maroondah has a number of youth organisations and tonight I visited the 31st Army Cadet Unit based at the Army Depot in East Ringwood. Two army cadets from the 31st unit received awards at the 2006 Maroondah Youth Volunteer Recognition Evening and an invitation was extended so I could see the army cadets parade on Thursday evening.
With 40% of army recruits originating from the cadets, the army cadets, alongside the air force and naval cadets also provides the backbone for a career within the military.
The army cadets provides an opportunity for young people aged from 12 to 18 to become involved with an organisation that provides training in first aid and military skills, such as radio procedures, navigation and survival techniques within a framework that reinforces achievement, discipline and good citizenship. The cadets are managed by adult volunteers and are financially and operationally independent from the armed forces, meaning that fundraisers are often used to raise money required for equipment and activities.
The 31st Army Cadet Unit provides a significant community service to Maroondah including involvement within the Anzac Day Services and the Maroondah Festival and as such provides an invaluable service to the community.
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